AGC Priorities
Atlantic Grains Council – Advocacy Priorities (2025)
Download the Atlantic Grains Council Advocacy Priorities document.
Representing over 1,000 grain and oilseed producers across Atlantic Canada
Who We Are
The Atlantic Grains Council (AGC) is the sole regional organization representing grain and oilseed producers in Atlantic Canada. With a membership of 33 industry leaders and over 1,000 growers, we are committed to advancing, coordinating, and promoting research, strengthening relationships with end-use customers, and advocating for the priorities that will shape a sustainable and profitable future for our sector.
Producers in Atlantic Canada grow barley, wheat, oats, corn, and soybeans, contributing to the production of food, feed, and fuel consumed both locally and internationally.
In the face of increasing global and regional uncertainty in the agriculture sector, strategic policy support and investment are more critical than ever to ensure our growers can continue to feed an ever-growing world population.
Key Priorities
Maintain Free Trade and Ensure Tariff-Free Access to Essential Imports
Free trade between Canada and the United States is critical to the economic viability of Canada’s grain and oilseed sector. Equally important is maintaining open access to global markets, including—but not limited to—the European Union, Asia, and African regions.
We urge continued commitment to open trade and the removal of any tariffs on critical agricultural inputs, including:
- Fertilizers (nitrogen, phosphate, potassium)
- Planting and harvesting equipment
- Seed and crop protection products
- Energy sources used in agriculture (natural gas, propane, diesel, fuel oil)
Removing barriers to these critical inputs is vital to ensuring the competitiveness and sustainability of Canadian agriculture on the global stage.
Secure Strategic Infrastructure for Bulk Grain Movement
The Port of Halifax and the Halifax Grain Elevator are essential infrastructure for our sector. Continued regional access to export and import capabilities is critical.
- We recommend amending the 50-Year Port Plan to include both bulk export and import capability.
- We call for a guaranteed 20-year lease for the grain and oilseed sector to ensure long-term viability and investment.
Advance Research in Winter Crops
Expanding winter crop production provides environmental and economic benefits. We advocate for:
- Ongoing support for winter crop research through Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership (SCAP) initiatives and future policy frameworks.
- Enhanced on-farm studies and data collection to guide best practices and variety selection.
Strengthening Regional Crop Insurance Programs
Crop insurance is a fundamental risk management tool. Producers in Atlantic Canada need access to stable, regionally adapted crop insurance programs that reflect the unique challenges of the region.
Invest in Grain Storage Infrastructure in Maritimes
To support market growth, risk management, and quality assurance, the region needs modern scalable grain storage capacity and efficient drying equipment.
- We urge provincial governments to invest in the upgrade and construction of grain storage infrastructure across the Maritimes and provide appropriate funding towards these investments.
Ensure Equitable Research Funding and Restore Plant Breeding Capacity
The Eastern grain sector faces unique agronomic challenges and requires distinct research investments that are often underfunded compared to Western Canada.
We call for:
- Continued federal support for AAFC grain and oilseed breeding programs.
- Sustained AAFC involvement in the Atlantic Variety Performance Trials (AVPT).
- Restoration of plant breeding funding and innovation support tailored to Eastern Canada.
- Recognition that private breeding efforts are primarily focused on Western Canada, necessitating stronger public-sector support in the East.
Conclusion
The Atlantic Grains Council is committed to working collaboratively with all levels of government and industry partners to build a stronger, more resilient grain and oilseed sector in Atlantic Canada.
We seek your support in advancing these priorities to ensure that our producers can continue to innovate, compete, and thrive in an ever-changing global marketplace.
